When I found out I was pregnant with Ethan about 2 years ago, I started putting together a list of baby items that I would need. One of the first things that crossed my mind was a running stroller! I knew that I wanted to get back into running as quickly as I could after having the baby. Using a running stroller was the most convenient way to do that.
I have used the running stroller countless times now, and I have learned a few lessons along the way. Ethan and I have had many fun bonding runs together. He has even participated in a 5k race with me!
Here are a few of my top tips for making stroller runner simple, manageable, and fun!
- Invest in a high quality running stroller – this is definitely the most important tip. I put my dream running stroller on my registry, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, never expecting that I would actually get it. Well, a few of my aunts and my grandma went in on it together and got it for me for my baby shower! I was beyond grateful! Yes, the BOB strollers are very expensive, but I have also seen a lot of really nice used one on Facebook Marketplace and other buy/sell sites. I highly encourage you to check out second hand running strollers if a new one isn’t in your budget.
- Make sure your baby is ready for stroller running – I did a lot of research about this before I actually started to use the stroller for running. From the research I did, I found that most sites recommend that you wait until your baby is 6 months old AND can independently hold their head up. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor and see what they recommend for your baby.
- Lower your speed expectations – Something that was really important for me when I first started stroller running was lowering my expectations around speed. When you are pushing a running stroller that also contains a child, your adding a lot of effort to your normal run. My advice is to not expect yourself to run the same speed. It’s expected that stroller running is going to be a little harder than without it, and that’s ok!
- Holding the Stroller – Try to keep your form as close to your normal form as possible when you’re running with a stroller. Don’t grip the stroller too firmly. A nice relaxed grip is fine! Also, a way to incorporate some arm swing is to use one arm to hold the stroller and the other to swing as you normally would, and then switch arms occasionally. I have found that doing this makes running with a stroller a lot easier.
- Make it a fun experience for you and your child – This tip is my favorite. The best part of stroller running is making it a unique bonding experience between you and your child. Talk to your baby during the run. If they’re old enough, ask them questions. My son Ethan likes to point out the cars he sees. I love talking to him on our runs. It makes it a fun experience for both of us! Make sure you bring a drink for them and snacks. The last thing you want is a meltdown when you’re miles away from where you started!
Check out a few of my other top blog posts that might be of interest to you:
Happy Running!
